On the study of Structural properties and Cation distribution of Zn0.75-xNixMg0.15Cu0.1Fe2O4 nano ferrite: Effect of Ni addition

Abstract

Effect of Ni addition on structural properties and, cation distribution of Zn0.75-xNixMg0.15Cu0.1Fe2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.60, 0.75) ferrites, prepared using sol-gel autocombustion method was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. XRD analysis reveals the formation of spinel phase even in dry gel form. The lattice constant (a exp.) decreases with Ni2+ substitution and follows Vegard's law. Scherrer's grain diameter (D) lies within the range of 17.33 - 26.47 nm. Due to difference in the ionic radii of Zn2+ and Ni2+ significant changes are observed in the structural parameters - unit cell volume (V), hopping length at A (La ) and B (Lb ) site, and x-ray density (ρXRD ). Linear increase in Neel magnetic moment (nBN) with oxygen positional parameter is observed in the studied samples, attributed to simultaneous weakening of A-B interaction and strengthening of the B-B interaction.